Dante Bichette’s name surfaced in hitting coach search

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — The Rockies’ reunion with ex-players had a chance, if only briefly, to extend beyond new manager Walt Weiss. A few weeks ago, the Rockies reached out to former all-star Dante Bichette to see if he was interested in the hitting instructor’s job.

There was no offer, but the Rockies were covering the bases as the searched for a manager.

Bichette told the Rockies’ recently that he’s not interested at this time.

The Rockies remain hopeful that Jason Giambi will consider the position. Giambi was a finalist for the manager’s job, and indicated that he wasn’t prepared to retire to be a coach. However, it appears that he’s at least willing to listen to the offer as he waits to see how much interest he attracts in free agency.

Giambi, 41, underwent groin surgery immediately after the season to leave open the option of continuing his career. The slugger has filled a part-time role with the Rockies since September of 2009 while emerging as a clubhouse leader and mentor to younger teammates. Giambi has helped several Rockies with their hitting over the last three years.

If Giambi does not become the Rockies’ hitting instructor, Rene Lachemann is a possibility. He has filled that role in Triple-A for several seasons.

Please not Lachemann. Until this year, the Rockies were terrible at situational hitting – going to the opposite field shortening up with two strikes, etc. This year, under Carney Lansford, they did much better. They even led the majors in batting average, around .306. I’m not sure why they fired Lansford so quickly.

arggghhh

for crying out loud how many times can you cut and paste the same info????? !!!!!

George McDowell

Weiss is a right-wing Christian nutcase. He charges to give “motivational” speeches and to spew his Christian hate. So he was the obvious choice of the nutcase owners of the Rockies. Expect top 5 draft picks for the next 5 years.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.